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Karma Yoga is a series of lectures given by Swami Vivekananda in between 1895 - 1896. This book discusses what Swami Vivekananda considers one of the ways of getting "freedom". Though spoken more than 120 years ago, this work still carries the power of putting you in a blissful, clear mindset. However, it also has some unique problems pertaining to its time.

In my review, I am attempting to highlight what I liked and what I disliked in this book. As always before starting this review, I would like to add a disclaimer that I am not an objective reviewer - I usually let my emotions guide my reviews.

The fact that this book was narrated 120 years ago does show its mark. One of the biggest victims of it is that this book has been narrated for a very specific set of audience i.e cis male. Being a female reader, I was pretty disappointed when I could not contact with the examples given by the speaker at all (as it was completely directed to a cis male). However, the speaker does try to be inclusive or at least make certain concepts applicable to a diverse audience.

Another problem I had with this book is it starts from the very basics. This book atleast the initial 40% can be a drag for someone who is already aware of the concepts of Karma. Which means it can be a good book for a complete noob. However, if you stick through these chapters I believe you may find some gems in the ultimate and penultimate chapters which will make waiting for it worth it.

I also faced a lot of problem initially in understanding some of the concepts mentioned in the book notably the writer does not try to explain what is good, what is evil, why work when you want to seek freedom. These questions almost made me stop reading this book but I am thankful I didn't because the writer does explains most of them in the later chapters. So impatient readers like me should keep a little patience in the intitial chapters.

Now, moving to the good parts. This book is short and crisp with very simple language which makes it easily understandable. But the best part about this book is its pan-religion nature. Though the foundation of this concept is deeply ingrained in Hinduism, Swami Vivekananda really tries to include other religious thoughts as well as non religious inclinations. This makes this book really secular and easy to comprehend and connect.
Also, this book gives you a very warm , good feeling and can be a good moral compass for someone looking for directions.

All in all, despite some minor problem areas - I believe this book is worth the read if you are interested in understanding "What exactly is Karma"?

Happy reading.


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Karma-Yoga, the path of selfless action, describes the way to reach perfection through the performance of daily work in a non-attached spirit. Karma-Yoga and Bhakti-Yoga, along with Jnana-Yoga and Raja-Yoga, are considered classics and outstanding treatises on Yoga philosophy. Swami Vivekananda's deep spiritual insight, fervid eloquence, and broad human sympathy shine forth in these works and offer inspiration to all spiritual seekers.

Karma-Yoga, the path of selfless action, describes the way to reach perfection through the performance of daily work in a non-attached spirit. Karma-Yoga and Bhakti-Yoga, along with Jnana-Yoga and Raja-Yoga, are considered classics and outstanding treatises on Yoga philosophy. Swami Vivekananda's deep spiritual insight, fervid eloquence, and broad human sympathy shine forth in these works and offer inspiration to all spiritual seekers.